Cylinder storage rack system

ABSTRACT

A storage system for cylindrical objects including first second and third frame members each having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the first frame member, and the top and bottom surfaces of the second and third frame members. Each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object. One of the surfaces of the second and third frame members includes an odd number of saddle portions while the other surface includes an even number. The bottom surface of the second frame member faces the top surface of the first frame member and has the same number of saddle portions while the bottom surface of the third frame member faces the top surface of the second frame member and has the same number of saddle portions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/043,613 filed Aug. 29, 2014, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a rack system for storage of cylindrical objects and containers, such as uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinders, wherein the stored objects occupy a relatively small space and can be stored vertically on a variety of surfaces including gravel, asphalt, concrete, and compacted soil.

After enrichment, depleted uranium hexafluoride is placed in large steel cylinders for storage. The most common storage cylinders have a 48 inch diameter and a height of 10 to 12 feet. About 95% of the depleted uranium produced to date is stored such cylinders in open air yards close to the enrichment plants. Each cylinder contains up to 14 US tons of solid UF6. Due to these quantities, there are relatively large numbers of such cylinders to store at the plant site. For example, a plant can have multiple storage yards that hold tens of thousands of such UF6 cylinders.

The basic storage arrangement is to create a flat pad or surface and to stand the UF6 cylinders upright upon such surface. With this arrangement, 8 cylinders in a 2 by 4 grid with the cylinders separated by 2 feet would occupy an area of 220 square feet. Storing of thousands of such cylinders thus results in very large land areas for such storage. Accordingly, there is a need for more efficient storage arrangements so that part of the land areas could be put to better use in the plant for other operations or for simply reducing the size of the storage areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage system for cylindrical objects comprising a first frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the first frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object.

The system advantageously includes a second frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the second support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the second frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object, with one of the top and bottom surfaces including an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces including an even number of saddle portions. The surface of the second frame member that faces the top surface of the first frame member preferably has the same number of saddle portions as the top surface of the first frame member.

The system generally includes a third frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the third support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the third frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object, with one of the top and bottom surfaces including an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces including an even number of saddle portions. Preferably, the surface of the third frame member that faces the surface of the second frame member has the same number of saddle portions as that surface of the second frame member.

In one embodiment of the system, the first frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its top surface; the second frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its bottom surface which is the same number as on the top surface of the first frame member; the second frame member includes an even number of saddle portions on its top surface; the third frame member includes an even number of saddle portions on its bottom surface which is the same number as on the top surface of the second frame member; and the third frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its top surface.

In another embodiment of the system, the first frame member includes three saddle portions on its top surface; the second frame member includes three saddle portions on its bottom surface and four saddle portions on its top surface; and the third frame member includes four saddle portions on its bottom surface and three saddle portions on its top surface.

The system preferably comprises a base structure of a flat rack. To hold the frame members together, the system includes first means for connecting together the respective ends of the first and second frame members, and second means for connecting together the respective ends of the second and third frame members, so that loads from supported objects are transferred to the base structure. Preferably, the first and second connecting means each comprises one or more pin members, wherein each pin members includes a compression spring to assist in supporting the loads from the supported objects.

In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a spaced arrangement of additional first, second and third frame members in the same configuration for supporting and holding another portion of the circumference of the cylindrical objects, with connection means provided for maintaining the additional second and third frame members in the spaced arrangement.

The preferred cylindrical objects to be supported and stored are cylinders that contain uranium hexafluoride.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a review of following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a from view of the storage rack system of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the storage rack system of FIG. 1 to illustrate the inter-relationship and cooperation of the various components in achieving a compact storage arrangement of eight UF6 cylinders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present UF6 cylinder storage rack system is specifically designed to allow for the storage of large quantities of 48-inch UF6 cylinders in a relatively small space and on a variety of surfaces including gravel, asphalt, concrete, and compacted soil. Each storage rack module of the preferred embodiment disclosed herein can store eight fully loaded UF6 cylinders. The UF6 cylinder storage rack can accommodate current and legacy 48-inch UF6 cylinders including models 48A through 48Y (i.e., those having 10 to 12 foot lengths). The cylinders can be stored as empty or full UF6 cylinders to conserve storage space in a plant or even during shipping on a boat, truck or train.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage system is supported upon a new, used, non-specification or refurbished ISO 20 foot flat rack (8). In particular, the frame members (1) and cylinders (2) are on the flat rack (8) as shown. A first frame member in the form of a saddle frame (6) has a flat bottom portion that sits on the flat rack (8) and an upper portion that has three arcuate saddle portions that each receive and contact the outer circumference of a standard UF6 cylinder. The saddle portions are configured in a way that provide secure support to the cylinders and for that reason are preferably configured to conform to a portion of the circumference of the cylinders. It is not necessary for the saddle portions to provide continuous support to one half (180 degrees) of the circumference of the cylinder, however, such that the extent of the contact will advantageously be less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the cylinder. Typically, the support is on the order of at least about 80 degrees to a more preferred amount of between 120 to 160 degrees. As shown, the support is approximately 160 degrees with about 10 degrees on each side of half the circumference of the cylinder not being supported. The saddle portions are separated by about one foot to provide sufficient space to place the cylinder in the saddle portion.

A second frame member is in the form of a second saddle frame (1) that has a lower side that has three saddle portions that are configured to oppose the three saddle portions of the first storage rack to capture three cylinders therebetween. The saddle portions are configured with the same arcuate surfaces as the first frame member. The second frame member has an upper portion that has only two saddle portions which are arranged to be offset and between the saddle portions of the lower side so that the cylinders can be efficiently arranged for compact storage.

The ends of the first and second frame members are provided with means to allow connection between them to securely hold the cylinders therebetween. The connection means may typically be pins (4) that allow the second storage rack to be supported upon the first storage rack. In a preferred embodiment, the pins include a compression spring which assists in transferring the load to the base rack as well as for removing the second frame member from the first frame member when the cylinders are removed therefrom. Alternatively, the connection means may be separate bolts and nuts or with either the bolts or nuts built into the first frame member so that attachment by the other connection member is facilitated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two cylinders are supported by the two saddle portions of the second frame member. These two cylinders are held in position by the provision of a third frame member (3) upon the cylinders. The third frame member is configured in the same manner as the second frame member (1) but has the side with the two saddle portions contacting the two cylinders on the second frame member. Thus, the top side of the third frame member (3) having three saddle portions for receiving three additional cylinders. This allows the storage arrangement to support eight (8) cylinders in a compact space.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple first, second and third storage frame member can be used and these are joined together to support the cylinders along their lengths. While two of each frame member are shown, a skilled artisan would recognize that 3 or more can also be used for more secure storage. Two such frame member have been found to be suitable for storage on a stable surface, however, so the additional frame members would be intended for storage on a surface that is subject to movement, such as the hold of a ship or the bed of a truck or train where the additional frame members provide additional securement. Preferably when multiples of the same frame members are used, they are secured together by connection means of welding, nuts and bolts, or similar fasteners that allow the frame members to be maintained in horizontal spaced relation to support different locations of the cylinders.

The ends of the second and third frame members are with means to allow connection between them to securely hold the cylinders therebetween. The connection means may typically be pins (5) that allow the third storage frame member to be supported upon the second storage frame member. These pins are longer than those that are used for the connection between the first and second frame members due to the large distance between the ends of the frame members. In a preferred embodiment, the pins include a compression spring which assists in removing the third frame member from the second frame member when the cylinders are removed therefrom. Alternatively, the connection means may be separate bolts and nuts or with either the bolts or nuts built into the frame member so that attachment by the other connection member is facilitated.

In a further alternative embodiment, the ends of each of the frame members can be provided with openings to allow elongated bolt members to pass to hold all of the frame members together. The use of bolts and nuts rather than pins is more important when the frame members are used to hold the cylinders in a vertical position rather than in the preferred horizontal position. As a final system component, a frame member that is configured in the same manner as the first frame member can be used to prevent the third row of three cylinders from being moved away from the storage system.

The use of the connection means provide vertical supports (4), (5) that eliminate the requirement for the inclusion of side supports (7) on the base rack. In particular, the ends of the third frame assembly (3) along with the vertical supports (4), (5) distributes the load of the UF6 cylinders (2) through the base structure of the frame and onto the flat rack (8).

As noted herein, the flat rack (8) can be placed on any relatively horizontal surface, including those based on compacted soil, asphalt, concrete, or gravel, thus providing flexibility in selecting a storage location. The invention would be able to store eight 48″ diameter cylinders of 10 to 12 foot length in an area of 150 to 180 square feet, thus reducing storage area requirements by about 20 to 33% compared to having the containers standing vertically. This significantly reduces the storage footprint for such cylinders and preserves plant space for other operations. Similar savings in storage space are achieved with UF6 cylinders of other sizes.

And while the present invention preferably contemplates storage of UF6 cylinders or other cylindrical objects in a vertical arrangement, it is also possible to use the inventive rack to hold the cylinders together when the cylinders are standing vertically. This would reduce the storage space because the racked cylinders would occupy an area of about 165 square feet. In this regard, the second and third frame members can be alternated as often as necessary to accommodate additional alternating rows of two and three cylinders. The final frame member would be one that is similar to the first frame member to complete the system.

The present arrangement of nesting alternating rows of 3 and 2 cylinders is for convenience, but there really is no limitation on the number of cylinders that can be provided in each row. For nesting arrangements, however, an odd number of cylinders will be used for the lowest row and an even number in the next row. It is not unusual to contemplate 5, 7, 9, 11 or more saddle portions for the first frame member for holding the same number of cylindrical objects in the first row, followed by 4, 6, 8, 10 or more saddle portions for the next row, particularly when the objects are of smaller diameter and length than conventional UF6 cylinders.

The frame members are typically made of steel or stainless steel for ease of manufacture of the configurations and saddle portions, but other materials with similar strengths and properties can be used if desired. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system for cylindrical objects comprising: a first frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the first frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a second frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the second support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the second frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces includes an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces includes an even number of saddle portions.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the surface of the second frame member that faces the top surface of the first frame member has the same number of saddle portions as the top surface of the first frame member.
 4. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a third frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the third support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the third frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces includes an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces includes an even number of saddle portions.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the surface of the third frame member that faces the surface of the second frame member has the same number of saddle portions as that surface of the second frame member.
 6. A storage system for cylindrical objects comprising: a first frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the first frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; a second frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the second support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the second frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces includes an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces includes an even number of saddle portions; wherein the bottom surface of the second frame member faces the top surface of the first frame member and has the same number of saddle portions as the top surface of the first frame member; a third frame member having a top surface, a bottom surface and end portions; a number of spaced saddle portions on the top surface of the third support member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; and a number of spaced saddle portions on the bottom surface of the third frame member, wherein each saddle portion is configured for contacting a portion of the outer circumference of a cylindrical object; wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces includes an odd number of saddle portions and the other of the top and bottom surfaces includes an even number of saddle portions; and wherein the bottom surface of the third frame member faces the top surface of the second frame member and has the same number of saddle portions as the top surface of the second frame member.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein: the first frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its top surface; the second frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its bottom surface which is the same number as on the top surface of the first frame member; the second frame member includes an even number of saddle portions on its top surface; the third frame member includes an even number of saddle portions on its bottom surface which is the same number as on the top surface of the second frame member; and the third frame member includes an odd number of saddle portions on its top surface.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the first frame member includes three saddle portions on its top surface; the second frame member includes three saddle portions on its bottom surface and four saddle portions on its top surface; and the third frame member includes four saddle portions on its bottom surface and three saddle portions on its top surface.
 9. The system of claim 6 further comprising a base structure of a flat rack.
 10. The system of claim 9 further comprising first means for connecting together the respective ends of the first and second frame members.
 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising second means for connecting together the respective ends of the second and third frame members, wherein loads from supported objects are transferred to the base structure.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first connecting means comprises one or more pin members and the second connecting means comprises one or more pin members.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein each pin members includes a compression spring to assist in supporting the loads from the supported objects.
 14. The system of claim 6 further comprising a spaced arrangement of additional first, second and third frame members in the same configuration for supporting and holding another portion of the circumference of the cylindrical objects.
 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising connection means for maintaining the additional second and third frame members in the spaced arrangement.
 16. The system of claim 6, wherein the cylindrical objects are cylinders that contain uranium hexafluoride. 